An Israeli and Norwegian tourist who were kidnapped in the Sinai, have been released by their captors, the Egyptian state news agency reported.

The Israeli man and Norwegian woman were attacked four days ago while travelling from Dahab to Taba on the Red Sea coast in the south of the region.

Reports suggest that Bedouin leaders had negotiated with the kidnappers to ensure the pair's release.

Kidnappings of tourists are common in the Sinai area of Egypt and are usually resolved quickly. Earlier this month two British tourists were seized and held briefly by kidnappers, before a speedy release.